# Will 2026 Be Better Not only at a personal level, since the start of 2020 the shit show simply appears to never decline, looking for positive at every level yet searching finding little except that in nature which still accompanies me in thought. I don't know how with South Africa's track record, literally taking most things into decay, far worse for one who has lived through good and bad, now witnessing totally ugly as well. > In 2025, South Africa saw significant business closures, including major international banks like HSBC finalizing exits, alongside large-scale liquidations exceeding 1,000 companies by August, impacting finance, trade, and services sectors due to economic instability, power issues (load shedding), and regulatory challenges. While some closures reflect global strategy (e.g., Maserati, Audi, Fiat trimming car models), others, like ArcelorMittal SA and Goodyear, signal deep structural problems, with overall business sentiment declining due to unreliable energy, skills gaps, and high operating costs ![IMG_9587.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/Ep1Xt717u3An8mVMJ2gJ1Uy73m2H2PsusgES6avMMDCzQd2zhEFHtBsxMnBeKBKh9Ru.JPG) **January Still Standing** Tough facing loss of fifty year plus partner, we never anticipate what is around the next corner how can we. Mere mortals lost in our own internal warfare. ![IMG_9772.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/Eo8TGB15xkXgeJWP5d4JGKLudQNq5JQeK78JvtA18Rk4AQxigcxquEU29neMWjj7xsN.JPG) February Life Carries On Make everything count, realization keep super connected to community, remain firm in resolution, wade though legal jargon. Time waits for no-one, move yourself outside of that comfort zone. Face the cold, wet, crazy mind worms that distract you from living to the full each moment. ![IMG_9892.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EpXJWTUB8fK7RLrwnYofSicZFLW2Geh9qB5JuUXqyaSZntBJxDrFnUC1SmvLWiae5VH.JPG) March Out Of Brain Fog Frayed nerves, fluttering within, awaiting the unknown. [Freedom Month](https://dirco.gov.za/freedom-month-building-a-non-racial-democracy-remains-unfinished-business-iol-by-alvin-botes-8-april-2025/) people start talking about massive cracks evident in South Africa, we are in for a rough ride! ![IMG_0105.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/23zbTmT28sBPtu1C5thKXpP5epkrUaGvNo4KAGpGEN8sKozpJjxWV2KCb7LqYf9h36boM.JPG) April _'White'_ South African's Face 145 Race Laws Bow your head, think deeply, through turmoil we have come, we will get through once again, many new voices now starting to voice open opinions. Once silenced eventually things start being spoken aloud, not only in our region. ![IMG_0199.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/48Pvo3GSBeL8GasbxjM4DfzVoqEyWqSSBW12WcvNjRFZeVmD6MpF9EhzVQZiEKJdYh.JPG) May Resilient Prevail Finger of light throws direction looking up, like the two step keeping you on your toes reminding me, energy above will flow to all below. ![IMG_0499.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EoiWfZpUagdmSKWvjKiJ4mhNhfTgvdZMHq4cX7sKsq5NPHqrttDZ3kvXZzUMCo4suno.JPG) June Ray Of Light Speaking for myself we have been screwed, promises made never kept, country is back to East/West see-saw debacle, hopefully find clarity before total collapse. ![IMG_0611.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EoAadPhZK9CLDt69wm2aSZ4rSyENoTRT781wZUb3wPhS8K3GJ3pobiDP1ga5BnFvJKa.JPG) July Screwed Beautiful people, word now pollinating to all who think in similarly. Government does not listen, more wasted money on pretentious [dialogue](https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/national-convention-go-ahead-15-august-president), _big fail!_ ![IMG_0856.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EogPqaJKxpMeEqAz7bWz4dvr4YiDwd6AxSouJL1XT48xTcHFQdAudM9AkEkpbB6hhWs.JPG) August Speak Freely No matter nationality, culture or language, when hurting all feed under the same sun, alas that is what it has now become. ![IMG_0924.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EoCiaaRvdKS1vDysnscdkP9jCzZoPbk2HCmAuv3q6cg2eTJHjxHzCbfPke6Vy8ZGfcx.JPG) September Friends When will those who rule listen when that is what they are paid to do, exorbitant earnings with little to show, shit show is an understatement of what is going on around here. ![IMG_1039.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EppKGaS2SiaoTBciqw3evwvFZDN94HbjhwuEYBsc5EjM9uKbhccRvFCfqwu2vabh1GE.JPG) October Distinguished Ears Getting toward the end of the year, reflections ebb and flow. Little accomplished on a personal level, keeping contact more focus during the new year. ![IMG_1273.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EoEoYMkWy2MFPpiTHZvkZTkStsYaS6vVq5DejkEa7Ae1bPPzgMqynujKQBxtfxzv9gt.JPG) November Reflections Tonight is the last night of the year, locked up under aircon, try maintain sanity with Woody _old faithful_ when fireworks go off, still hoping for rain to wash it out! ![IMG_1462.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/EoAYEvsAvxHQUx6ZnESnhcriWNHLdAbQvUc7LhBPrd4g7bEqwMD9M3uKXaUo9PycDXr.JPG) December Woody _How did you find 2025, agree or disagree with how I felt most year though. One massive dumper I will be glad to see over._ **Wishing All Happy New Year** Hopefully 2026 will be better. ![SA_Hive_LineBreak.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/PAbY48Bo-SA_Hive_LineBreak.png) All photography my own using Canon Powershot SX730 HS. Any queries or requests please drop a comment below or make contact with me, have a wonderful day! _**Thought for Today: "Negotiate with your enemy whilst you are a strong and formidable force, and he will always fear and respect you, but negotiate at the brink of defeat, and he will trample you down." - African Proverb**_ ![QuratorLogo.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joanstewart/QkY492UE-QuratorLogo.png)

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oh shit!